Research Guides: Information Literacy: 07. What are Databases?

WHAT ARE DATABASES?

Databases are organized collections of related information or data. The collections usually cover a specific field of study such as history, biology, or music. Most online library databases consist of written works published in journals, magazines, or newspapers but others consist of data, images or specialized information such as government documents.

Browse through our databases by document type or by subject.

Learn what sort of information can be found through library databases and when to use them for research

(CSU video, length 1:52 minutes)

BROAD VS. SPECIFIC

Most library databases are for a specific audience that dictates the type of material in them. Academic Search Complete, for example, covers scholarly journals on academic topics and undergraduate students are the target audience. GreenFile, on the other hand, is aimed at anyone from high school through doctoral degrees but only focuses on environmental concerns.

WHEN TO USE A DATABASE?

You should use a library database if you are:

Searching for articles in a magazine, newspaper, or scholarly journal.
Conducting scholarly research for an assignment.
Looking for information on a specific topic.
Locating peer reviewed or professionally edited work.

WHAT IS IN A LIBRARY DATABASE? (FREE WEB VS. DATABASES)

Most materials in library databases have either gone through the peer review process or reviewed by a professional editor. (Visit our peer review guide to learn more.) However, information and images on the Internet can be posted by anyone since there is no screening process. Some materials on the free web may have been reviewed by an editor, but most never have been.

Library databases are tailored towards specific audiences, often with specific subjects such as agriculture or musical recordings, and are grouped in one location. This allows for more efficient searching, plus the content in library owned databases tend to be more reliable.

Also, when it comes to trusted factual sources, historical information is often not free. Databases such as JSTOR may contain both older and current information; publications may go back to the very first issue and often contain the full text of items.

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

Most scholarly information is not freely accessible and limits access through paywalls. Library pay annual subscriptions to access these databases. Libraries also check for alternative ways to access an item and as an added bonus, databases typically offer to get items through interlibrary loan if it is not available immediately available.

BENEFITS OF DATABASES

For many people, searching the Internet is the first step for conducting any research. But the Internet can quickly overwhelm you with a flood of information. And there is no screening for reliability.

DATABASES ARE...	THE BENEFITS ARE...
Tailored to specific subjects or audiences.	Research is much easier & it saves time.
Peer-reviewed or reviewed by professional editors.	High quality information that is more reliable.
Prepaid by the library via subscriptions.	No need for out of pocket payments.
Accessible both on- and off-campus.	24/7 access from any Internet connection.
Primarily collections of articles & reports.	They usually indicate the literature types.
Often specialized.	May include newspapers, magazines or book chapters.
Citation are usually accompanied with abstracts.	Offers short summary of underlying document.
Linked to the library's catalog for further access.	Quickly check if the library has access or submit Inter Library Loan request if we do not have it.

Information Literacy

Willamette University Libraries